IMPORTANT: When opening a business, please ensure to submit your business registration application a few weeks in advance as the application process can take up to 4-6 weeks.  Please note, walk-ins will not be processed on the same day. Once your business registration application and all required documentation has been received, your application will be reviewed. 

Please click here for the forms required to register a mobile salon. (Updated November 7, 2023)

Information:


There are many steps involved in opening a mobile salon or spa, and the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia is here to help prepare members to achieve business success. The secret is getting started… but where do you start?

Cosmetology business permits are compulsory by law and are issued by the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia to every salon and spa (commercial, home-based or mobile).  The Association must be in receipt of applicable forms and prescribed fees prior to issuing a mobile permit. Permits must be renewed no later than December 31st of each calendar year. Please read the following information below carefully to properly apply for and register your mobile salon/spa with the Association.

General Guidelines
Cosmetologists providing services to the public for fee, gain, or expectation of reward or remuneration must hold a valid and current licence in their scope of practice.  Licenses and permits must be displayed in a location visible to the public at all times.  Mobile salon/spas must also be in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety standards, which can be viewed at www.novascotia.ca/lae/healthandsafety/.   

Business Registration Forms:
Cosmetologists transporting equipment to different locations for the purpose of providing mobile cosmetology services must hold a valid mobile permit to operate.
Listed below are the registration forms necessary to apply for a mobile permit.  

To apply for a permit to operate a mobile salon/spa, owners are required to fill out the Registration Form (at the top of the page) which includes a checklist, Schedule C, and Schedule A-4.  All forms are required to be filled and signed; ensuring all other requested documents listed in the checklist are attached when submitting an application.

*All documentation and prescribed fee(s) must be received in order to release a permit to operate.

Registration & Permits Fees
Registration fees are payable in accordance with Schedule B of the Association's By-laws. The Salon/Spa Proprietor Application for Registration fee is a one-time payment.

Permit Fee: 
  • 1 Person = Mobile Licence (1) as per Schedule B of the Association's By-laws.
This fee is renewed on or before December 31st of each calendar year. Business registration forms can be submitted by fax (902) 468-7147, email info@nscosmetology.ca or walk-in.

Once the business registration process is completed, you will be issued a Temporary Permit pending inspection.  The goal of coordinating a first-time inspection between the Association and a salon is to equip business owners with everything they will need to succeed and operate safely from the start.  The Association is aware mobile business hours and location may vary, please provide the Association with your current business hours to ensure a prompt inspection.  Upon a successful inspection, the inspector will provide you with your valid permit to operate. 

Adding a mobile permit to an existing cosmetology establishment  
Current salon/spa owners looking to add mobile service to their existing salon/spa are required to apply for a permit to operate a mobile salon/spa for each cosmetologist providing mobile services.  Owners are required to fill out the Mobile Registration forms, which include checklist, Schedule C, and Schedule A-4.  All forms are required to be filled and signed; ensuring all other requested documents listed in the checklist are attached when submitting an application.  Once the Association is in receipt of forms and prescribed fee(s) outlined in Schedule B a Temporary Mobile Permit will be issued and inspection of your mobile kit will be arranged. Upon a successful inspection, the inspector will provide you with your valid mobile permit to operate. 

For more information regarding inspections, please refer to the Salon & Spa Compliance Handbook

Salon & Spa Closure
Individuals no longer operating a cosmetology establishment are required to notify the Association in writing (email accepted) of such closure and request that the corresponding account/membership with the Association be discontinued.  Please click here to submit a request.

Please allow 4 - 6 weeks for processing all applications.
 
Cosmetology Association (NS)
128 Chain Lake Drive
Beechville, NS  B3S 1A2
Canada

Hours of Operation
Monday 8:30 - 4:00
Tuesday 8:30 - 4:00
Wednesday 8:30 - 4:00
Thursday 8:30 - 4:00
Friday 8:30 - 3:00

*Holiday or Weather closures/cancellations will be noted in the Calendar.
Office: (902) 468-6477
Fax: (902) 468-7147
Toll Free: (800) 765-8757

General Inquiries
info@nscosmetology.ca

Provincial Exam Information
jill@nscosmetology.ca

Executive Director
Dana Sharkey, CAE
executivedir@nscosmetology.ca 

Schools

Academy of Cosmetology
Hair, Esthetics, Makeup Artistry
33 Thornhill Drive, Unit 201. Dartmouth

Cape Breton Business College
Hair, Esthetics
93 Johnston Street, Sydney

CBBC - Halifax
Hair, Esthetics
1046 Barrington Street, Halifax
Eastern Esthetics
Nail Technology, Hair Removal, Eyelash Enhancements.
19 Crane Lake Drive, Halifax

Hair Design Centre
Hair, Esthetics, Makeup Artistry
278 Lacewood Drive, Halifax
Hair Masters
Hair, Esthetics, Nail Technology
26 Archibald Ave., North Sydney

Elevate Beauty Institute of Cosmetology
Hair, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Lash Technician
77 Crescent Drive, New Minas

NSCC Annapolis Campus
Hairdressing
50 Elliott Road, Middleton
NSCC Burridge Campus
Hair, Esthetics, Nail Technology
372 Pleasant Street, Yarmouth

NSCC Marconi Campus
Hairdressing
1240 Grand Lake Road, Sydney

NSCC Pictou Campus
Hairdressing
39 Acadia Avenue, Stellarton